Sarah Ferguson has entered a period of reflection in the Austrian mountains, with her family breaking their silence to say she is putting 'family first'. The 66-year-old author was seen in public for the first time in four months, prompting her cousin Martin Barrantes to speak out.
Barrantes told the Daily Mail that Ferguson's decision to step back from the public eye stems from a 'fierce determination' to protect her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as her grandchildren. He said: 'I have spoken to her [and] can tell you that she just wants to protect her children and her grandchildren.'
Ferguson has been receiving support from friends with the means to help her stay out of the spotlight. A source previously described her as 'desperate' and worried about being asked to testify about her knowledge of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with whom she remained friends after his conviction.
Austria holds special significance for Ferguson, as she previously stayed at the MAYRLIFE Clinic there after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma. She has also sought refuge at the Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, and the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa in Donegal, Ireland.
Ferguson and her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, were forced to leave Royal Lodge and will move to separate homes. She may relocate abroad permanently. The couple last attended a royal event together at the christening of their granddaughter Athena.
